S14 SR20DET Install / Manual Steering Rack Conversion

Today was a magical day.  I spent all weekend in the garage...first disassembling, chopping, then reassembling the (used-to-be) power steering rack, which took all day on Saturday.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the process, but I can tell you that it wasn't fun.  Sunday was all about inspecting, cleaning and prepping the S14 SR20DET that arrived on Thursday evening.  The weekend's activity culminated late Sunday afternoon, when Jamie and Dennis helping me lower the new powerplant into place. So that's what an engine bay is supposed to look like...

Anyways, I have much more to do before it will be drive-able, but it feels like a major milestone has been reached. Now, onto the details.

Inspection (after some initial cleaning):

 

Deep in thought.  When you have flow this mighty, anything is possible.

And, by anything, I mean this:

Front Suspension and Interior Progress

Got some suspension parts in during the week, so I spent some time bolting them on today. Per Dennis' suspension critique, I ordered some SPL Tension Rods to replace the OEM parts with worn out rubber bushings. I was truly impressed at how beefy the new arms were - the people at SPL know what they're doing. The frame-side tension rod mounts were replaced with the Nismo "Power Brace." If Nismo makes it...it pretty much rocks. On to the pictures...

14-Year old suspension components (Before)

New hotness (After)

Plus, Jamie shot up some interior shots too, now that the seats and dash are in place. Yeah, it's starting to look like a car again.

Body Work is Finished (240 Comes Home)

Ed from True Performance called me the other day with excellent news - the 240 was complete, pending my final approval. I hurried over to the shop after work and was amazed at the transformation. The guys at True Performance really did a great job massaging the body back into shape. It's so smooth now, not a door-ding to see. Above all, I was most pleased with the new Japan-spec OEM bumper and valences. It adds a much more sporty look to the rear end. I think it's perfect with the wingless trunk lid.
It was ready to come home, so I brought it back to my garage today.

Jamie snapped some pictures while it was being unloaded and after we got it into the garage.

 

 

Off To The Body Shop

Well, it's off to the body shop. I found the perfect shop for the job - only a few miles away from my house in Dublin, True Performance. They typically focus on high-end collision repair, but are more than willing to take on a job like mine. But before we wave goodbye, let's take one last look at the current status.

Ugly gold antenna; holes where wing used to be; unpainted carbon hood; boring OEM bumper.

Home-made rust repair under battery base - hence the spray paint; ghetto celebrity Kouki headlight re-drilling.

Of course, the inside could use some work too.

And, we're off...

SPL Rear Subframe Mounts and Subframe Install

Updates have been slow as I've been in the process of moving into a new house.  But, I'm all situated now, and ready to get down to business.

Rear subframe was removed, painted flat black and re-installed with SPL aluminum "bushings" (more like mounts now).  Will tighten up the rear end tremendously.  (Guess who gave me a hand???)

Stance Al+Pro's are installed and give the 240 a much more confident stance.  I left the front ride height about 40mm high to compensate for the current lack of engine weight.

I'm ordering Origin 20mm front and 50mm rear overfenders to allow for more rubber fitment.  I should be able to just fit 18x9.5 +12 fronts and 18x10.5 +15 rears with these fenders.  Which wheels did I decide on?  I'll leave you wondering for now...

Once I have the fenders, and new rear bumper, it will be off to the paint booth.

Rear Subframe Removal

During the week I was able to remove the rear subframe so today I removed the differential, driveshaft, and suspension from the frame.  Before I can install the SPL aluminum mounts, I'll need to press out the worn rubber bushings.  I'd also like to powdercoat the subframe to ensure that it's protected from rust also.  I need to get the subframe re-installed to have a rolling chassis again.

Body Weight Removal / Stance Coilovers / Evo Brembo Front Calipers

Over the past couple of months, finding time to devote to the garage has been tough.  However, I did clean up the interior some which included removing the tar-like sound-deadening material.  It weighed about 50lbs in total, a substantial weight reduction.  Plus, who likes quiet cars?  

Although the Tokico dampers and Tein springs were a major upgrade from the worn-out OEM parts, they weren't up to the job of major track-duty.  I opted to replace them with Stance Al+Pro coilovers.  (For details see Stance's site)  They're height and damping adjustable, spring rates are changeable, and the forged aluminum damper bodies will resist even the worst rust Ohio has to offer.  This weekend I focused on installing the front coilovers.

Finally, I found a deal locally that I couldn't pass up.  Front Brembo brake calipers from a Mitsubishi Evo IX.  They're simply massive, and only need a simple bracket in order to bolt on.  Now I'm looking for matching rears.